I can't believe that my first year of college will be over in just 2 weeks! Where did all of the time go? It seems like just recently I was moving into my dorm room, saying good-bye to my mom, and feeling so excited/nervous for our first cross country practice! But this year has been one of the best school years I can remember- thanks to the friends I've met, the activities I've been involved in, and just the welcoming, positive atmosphere of Luther and Decorah.
So I thought I'd make a short list of what I'd do over again and what I'd change if I had the opportunity to redo my first year here at Luther.
Do's
1. Get involved! Whether it's in choir, sports, intramurals, bible studies, or some other club on campus, participating in an activity is the easiest way to meet people with similar interests as you. All year long there are advertisements for fun events on campus, so take advantage of them.
2. Get to know your roommate(s) and the people living on your floor. They're the ones you come home to each night so you want to be on friendly terms with them. They're the ones you can go to for help on homework, when you're bored, if you need to talk, or if you need a ride to Wal-Mart. Dorm life is a lot more fun if you're included in all of the birthday celebrations and floor socials. Make an effort to know who you're living with.
3. Go to class! It's pretty clear that if you come to Luther you want a good education. Make your tuition worth it and actually go to class. Sometimes it's hard when you had a late night and don't really want to get up for an 8 AM class, but remember that you'll most likely have time later for a little nap. The professors are all very knowledgeable and the classes are small enough that they know when someone isn't there. Show the professors respect by attending class and be confident that you'll learn a lot from them too.
4. Buy textbooks online if possible, it can save you some money. I know after first term when I had gotten most of my books from the Luther bookshop and then went to sell them back at the end of the term, I felt like I got ripped off. The money you get if you see them back to the bookshop isn't a grand amount, so it will be beneficial to just pay less in the first place.
5. Have an idea of what classes you might want to take before you talk to your advisor and before it's your time to register. Advisors are great in helping you get the general requirements covered, but freshmen advisors get randomly assigned to you, so they most likely won't be experts in the field that you're thinking of majoring in. It's helpful to look through the course offerings before meeting with your advisor, because he or she may not know when certain courses are offered or what the normal sequence of courses it.
6. Branch out: try new things, meet new people, explore Decorah, and be yourself.
Redo's
1. I would apply for a 2-person room in Brandt instead of a 3-person, just so my room wouldn't always have someone in it and there's additional space to have a futon or place for friends to come and hang out.
2. I wouldn't sign up for 8AM classes every day of the week in February when it's dark and getting out of bed is hard enough as it is.
3. I would apply for a job on campus so that I could have some income. Granted, there's not a whole lot that I need to spend cash on, but it'd be nice just to know that I was getting paid in case I wanted to go eat in town, or buy something at WalMart.
That's my year in review. I'm sure I'll learn a lot more next year and the years to follow, but right now I feel right at home at Luther and I wouldn't trade this past year for anything. It was great.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Banana Bikes and Forest Hikes
After a long winter, I think I can finally say that spring has officially arrived at Luther! For the past week or so we've had warm weather, lots of sun, and a few rain showers. The flowers are starting to bloom and students are 'studying' outside, playing frisbee on library lawn, and riding their bikes around again.
Speaking of bikes, Luther has 6 bright yellow bikes that they are allowing students to rent out for a day at no fee. It's a trial for the spring to see if lots of students are interested in a bigger bike rental program for the future. I tried one out over the weekend just to go into town real quick for an errand. It was definitely a nice option to have so that I didn't have to track down a friend who has a bike on campus and so I could save time riding instead of walking.
These bikes are pretty simple. They are very upright with huge handle bars so that your hands are almost at 9 and 3 on a clockface, the brakes are in the pedals when you push backward (reminding me of the bike I had when I was about 7, there are no gears, and I don't think you can change the height of the seat. So, like I said, very basic. You definitely wouldn't want one of these bikes to go up any big hills or for super long distances, but they are convenient for quick errands into town.
The bright yellow color makes it easy to identify a Luther student who has journeyed off campus. I think that's probably the point though, that if someone tried to take one of the bikes, it would be quite obvious that it belonged to Luther.
Besides running and my occasional bike ride, I've also been able to get out and enjoy the weather in my biology lab. For 3 weeks we are hiking in the Hickory Ridge Woods (right by Baker Village), learning to identify trees and then we are going to plot part of the woods to get an estimate of what types of trees are the most abundant in which parts of the woods. I've actually learned a lot about identifying trees based on their bark and their buds, and I have to say, it's a whole lot better than sitting in a lab room for 2 hours peering out the window and seeing kids outside playing, just wishing I could be out there too.
So with only 11 days of actual classes left, the weather warming up and classes winding down, I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks and make the most of the wonderful outdoors opportunities Decorah offers.
Speaking of bikes, Luther has 6 bright yellow bikes that they are allowing students to rent out for a day at no fee. It's a trial for the spring to see if lots of students are interested in a bigger bike rental program for the future. I tried one out over the weekend just to go into town real quick for an errand. It was definitely a nice option to have so that I didn't have to track down a friend who has a bike on campus and so I could save time riding instead of walking.
These bikes are pretty simple. They are very upright with huge handle bars so that your hands are almost at 9 and 3 on a clockface, the brakes are in the pedals when you push backward (reminding me of the bike I had when I was about 7, there are no gears, and I don't think you can change the height of the seat. So, like I said, very basic. You definitely wouldn't want one of these bikes to go up any big hills or for super long distances, but they are convenient for quick errands into town.
The bright yellow color makes it easy to identify a Luther student who has journeyed off campus. I think that's probably the point though, that if someone tried to take one of the bikes, it would be quite obvious that it belonged to Luther.
Besides running and my occasional bike ride, I've also been able to get out and enjoy the weather in my biology lab. For 3 weeks we are hiking in the Hickory Ridge Woods (right by Baker Village), learning to identify trees and then we are going to plot part of the woods to get an estimate of what types of trees are the most abundant in which parts of the woods. I've actually learned a lot about identifying trees based on their bark and their buds, and I have to say, it's a whole lot better than sitting in a lab room for 2 hours peering out the window and seeing kids outside playing, just wishing I could be out there too.
So with only 11 days of actual classes left, the weather warming up and classes winding down, I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks and make the most of the wonderful outdoors opportunities Decorah offers.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Success!
What a great feeling! You know, when you were anticipating something, hoping it would go well, and then afterward you are happy, relieved, excited? Yeah, that feeling of accomplishment and success. That's what I'm feeling right now as I look back on what I've done this week:
Our Norse Relays that were supposed to be last Saturday got snowed out (flurries in April, can you believe it!?) so we turned Monday's practice into our own Norse Relays. So I did get to run the steeplechase and the weather was much nicer. I loved it! The water pit was pretty fun, especially once I got over the initial shock of how chilly the water was. I felt comfortable hurdling the other barriers, and didn't fall or clip them as I went over. Success! Now I'm excited to give it another try and see how I can improve.
This week was also the time to register for classes that we are going to be taking in the fall. It's amazing to me that we have less than a month left of school! This year just flew by. Anyways, I had all of my classes picked out ahead of time and there was really only one way that my schedule would work. So I had to get into specific time slots and certain labs, there weren't any alternatives. When I logged onto the computer, I saw that in the Human Physiology lecture only 3 spots were still available until the class was full, and only 1 spot available in the Human Physiology lab that I needed so my adrenaline was rushing. So at 7:28 Tuesday night I anxiously awaited for the minutes to tick by until 7:30 when I could push "submit" on the registering website. The thought kept crossing my mind, "what if someone else pushes submit 2 seconds before I do and gets those spots, then what am I supposed to do?" But thankfully, I got in. That was a big relief.
Next on my list of things to accomplish successfully is this biology test tomorrow, my 5k race tomorrow night at Augustana, and finalizing my rooming situation for next year. I can't wait to be able to check them off and know that I succeeded-doing the best that I could under the circumstances.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Water Hopping
If asked, I would say that I'm a pretty adventurous person. I like to try new and challenging things, especially if they have to do with athletics or being outdoors. Just this past Monday for our long run I spent many miles on winding, hilly, and muddy trails known as Upper Palisades. It was great! I had only been up there once before and that was in the fall with Coach Yarrow leading the way. This time I was running with two of my best friends and happened to be leading. It was really neat just exploring, hoping we didn't slide down the steep slope just wide of the narrow trail.
We came upon a farm where some beautiful, auburn colored horses were out in the pasture just hanging out. We saw a horse or deer skull that someone had planted so that it was sticking out a tree. And we saw an old, run-down, rusted car that had a gnome inside and a plastic mannequin leg sticking out the back window. That was a little freaky! Anyways, you get the point: I'm not afraid to get out and about, and try something new.
That brings me to track. This Saturday at our home Norse Relays meet I'm scheduled to run the steeplechase. I ran the steeplechase indoors and it went really well as I managed to hurdle all of the barriers. But now that we're outdoors, a new element is added...THE WATER PIT! So the past couple of weeks we've been practicing our technique for how we'll clear the water barrier and get through the water pit, but we've been using the sand pit in place of the water pit. Today, though, we actually get to go in the water pit. I'm excited, but a bit nervous.
After watching last weekend's steeplechase race at Central College I was able to see how much of a difference technique makes on the water pit. A lot of girls stepped on the barrier and then landed with 2 feet and a splash. It looked fun, but unfortunately it stopped all of their forward momentum. So my goal is to not land on 2 feet but only 1, and to keep running through the water. We'll see if that actually happens though. Most likely by the end of the race as fatigue sets in, my form and technique will not be that great. But I'll definitely try to stay away from planting a huge cannonball and splashing all of the water out of the pit!
We came upon a farm where some beautiful, auburn colored horses were out in the pasture just hanging out. We saw a horse or deer skull that someone had planted so that it was sticking out a tree. And we saw an old, run-down, rusted car that had a gnome inside and a plastic mannequin leg sticking out the back window. That was a little freaky! Anyways, you get the point: I'm not afraid to get out and about, and try something new.
That brings me to track. This Saturday at our home Norse Relays meet I'm scheduled to run the steeplechase. I ran the steeplechase indoors and it went really well as I managed to hurdle all of the barriers. But now that we're outdoors, a new element is added...THE WATER PIT! So the past couple of weeks we've been practicing our technique for how we'll clear the water barrier and get through the water pit, but we've been using the sand pit in place of the water pit. Today, though, we actually get to go in the water pit. I'm excited, but a bit nervous.
After watching last weekend's steeplechase race at Central College I was able to see how much of a difference technique makes on the water pit. A lot of girls stepped on the barrier and then landed with 2 feet and a splash. It looked fun, but unfortunately it stopped all of their forward momentum. So my goal is to not land on 2 feet but only 1, and to keep running through the water. We'll see if that actually happens though. Most likely by the end of the race as fatigue sets in, my form and technique will not be that great. But I'll definitely try to stay away from planting a huge cannonball and splashing all of the water out of the pit!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Application Memories
Over break I had plans and ambitions to complete quite a few applications that are coming due in the next month: scholarship applications, my application to study abroad next J-term, and my application to do an externship next October for a few days during fall break. Some of the applications got done, some didn't, but it made me realize what a great break this past year has been from all of the stress that application processes can bring.
In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since I was going through the process of applying to colleges and then making my final decision. In other ways it doesn't seem all that long ago because I can remember it all so vividly. There were some late nights sitting at the computer filling out paperwork and some long afternoons writing and rewriting essays for scholarship applications. Of course this is nothing new to all of you students.
As I was trying to decide which college was right for me, I struggled with knowing what I really wanted in a college. I had been accepted and offered scholarship money from most of the institutions that I had applied to, so that didn't really help me narrow down my choices. I didn't know for sure if I wanted to do sports or what I thought I might want to major in. As March rolled around I had my choices down to 2: Luther College and Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. These two schools were quite different in size, religion, and academic strengths. I wasn't sure which one would suit me better. It was a little frustrating but I came to the realization that no matter what college I decided on, it would work out just fine. My college experience would be what I decided to make it. I could be successful at any school if I made an effort to get involved, meet people, and work hard in my classes.
So how did I decide on Luther? I realized that I wanted to be an athlete at the next level. I saw that if I didn't continue with organized sports then I wouldn't be making use of my talents and doing what I really wanted to be doing. I also thought about the size of Luther and thought that it would be a better fit for me than a big university. I wanted to get to know my profs, and here at Luther I have definitely had the opportunity to. I wasn't sure that a big school would give me the small class sizes and the relationships with professors and students that I was comfortable with.
After I chose Luther it was like a weight had been lifted off of me and now I don't regret any part of my first year here. It has been everything I imagined and more. The students and faculty are all nice and they actually care about you. People see you walking across campus and actually know you and ask how your day is. The athletics have been challenging and extremely fun, while classes have been interesting and sufficiently difficult. Now I can't wait for my current applications to get finished so that I can feel that same sort of relief and usher in spring, just like last year.
In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since I was going through the process of applying to colleges and then making my final decision. In other ways it doesn't seem all that long ago because I can remember it all so vividly. There were some late nights sitting at the computer filling out paperwork and some long afternoons writing and rewriting essays for scholarship applications. Of course this is nothing new to all of you students.
As I was trying to decide which college was right for me, I struggled with knowing what I really wanted in a college. I had been accepted and offered scholarship money from most of the institutions that I had applied to, so that didn't really help me narrow down my choices. I didn't know for sure if I wanted to do sports or what I thought I might want to major in. As March rolled around I had my choices down to 2: Luther College and Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. These two schools were quite different in size, religion, and academic strengths. I wasn't sure which one would suit me better. It was a little frustrating but I came to the realization that no matter what college I decided on, it would work out just fine. My college experience would be what I decided to make it. I could be successful at any school if I made an effort to get involved, meet people, and work hard in my classes.
So how did I decide on Luther? I realized that I wanted to be an athlete at the next level. I saw that if I didn't continue with organized sports then I wouldn't be making use of my talents and doing what I really wanted to be doing. I also thought about the size of Luther and thought that it would be a better fit for me than a big university. I wanted to get to know my profs, and here at Luther I have definitely had the opportunity to. I wasn't sure that a big school would give me the small class sizes and the relationships with professors and students that I was comfortable with.
After I chose Luther it was like a weight had been lifted off of me and now I don't regret any part of my first year here. It has been everything I imagined and more. The students and faculty are all nice and they actually care about you. People see you walking across campus and actually know you and ask how your day is. The athletics have been challenging and extremely fun, while classes have been interesting and sufficiently difficult. Now I can't wait for my current applications to get finished so that I can feel that same sort of relief and usher in spring, just like last year.
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